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GOC/COMD OPSH Refute Misleading Media Reports on Barkin Ladi Remarks

Published

1 year ago

May 8, 2025

vicky

The 3 Division Nigerian Army and Operation SAFE HAVEN wish to address the recent misrepresentation of remarks made by Major General EF Oyinlola, the General Officer Commanding 3 Division and Commander Operation SAFE HAVEN, by certain online media outlets. It has come to our attention that several reports have deliberately twisted the General’s statements during the recent stakeholders’ engagement held in Barkin Ladi Local Government Area on May 6, 2025.

One such report was misleadingly headlined, “Nigerian Army Raises Alarm over Mass Influx of Cattle into Plateau State: Warns of Security Threats.” This claim is a blatant falsehood, suggesting that security agencies perceive the influx of cattle as an imminent threat to the fragile peace we are striving to maintain in Plateau State. Such misrepresentation not only distorts the truth but also undermines the collaborative efforts between security agencies and community members to uphold peace and stability.

To clarify, Major General Oyinlola’s actual remarks during the engagement emphasized the need for communal cooperation in facing potential challenges. He stated:

*”While celebrating this progress made in Barkin Ladi, we must face the unfolding realities in the Local Government Area. I must express the concerns of security agencies about recent developments in parts of Barkin Ladi LGA. In particular, there is the growing unease about the influx of large number of cattle into farming communities. While the movement of livestock in Barkin Ladi and indeed Plateau State is not unusual, the scale and timing of these influxes raises legitimate security concerns. Unfortunately, this development has already resulted in adverse outcomes, including farm destructions, isolated attacks, and attacks on livestock. The impact of these adverse outcomes on food security, economic stability, and social harmony cannot be overemphasized.*

*We cannot afford to ignore these early warning signs. We must act together to ensure Barkin Ladi does not slide into avoidable conflicts. The farming season is already ongoing, and for many families, this is a period for securing livelihood. Therefore, any disruption of farming activities now will have dire consequences for the rest of the year and beyond. To this end, this engagement is convened to hear from you stakeholders – to listen to your concerns, jointly develop strategies, and to reaffirm our shared commitment to peaceful coexistence.”*

As evident, the General’s statement does not issue a warning of security threats. Rather, it embodies a proactive approach to community engagement, promoting cooperation to ensure peaceful coexistence between farming and herding activities. The focus is on recognizing potential issues and addressing them collaboratively before they escalate.

Operation SAFE HAVEN and other security agencies remain neutral and committed to engaging all stakeholders towards peaceful conflict resolution. We stand as a bridge to peace among conflicting communities and maintain our dedication to neutrality, even in the face of occasional challenges.

In light of this, we assure all community members that Operation SAFE HAVEN is committed to working closely with local leaders to ensure economic activities continue without disruption, and to safeguard the lives and livelihoods within our operational area. We urge all media outlets to report responsibly and accurately, as the dissemination of misinformation poses a significant threat to peace and stability.

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NJC recommends new judges across five states, two appellate courts

Published

1 hour ago

November 6, 2026

PlateauReports

The National Judicial Council (NJC) has recommended 28 candidates for appointment as judicial officers across five states and two appellate courts.

The recommendations were made at the council’s 112th meeting held on November 3, 2026, according to a statement issued on Wednesday by NJC’s deputy director (Information), Kemi Babalola-Ogedengbe.

Of the 28 candidates, 24 were recommended for appointment as judges of the High Courts of Kano, Ebonyi, Edo, Adamawa and Ogun states.

One candidate was recommended for appointment as Grand Kadi of the Plateau State Sharia Court of Appeal, while another was recommended as Kadi of the Adamawa State Sharia Court of Appeal.

Two other candidates were recommended for appointment as judges of the Adamawa State Customary Court of Appeal.

The council also included Ijeoma Agugua in the shortlist of candidates for appointment as substantive chief judge of Imo State.

The candidates recommended for the various courts include Tijjani Zololo for appointment as Grand Kadi of the Plateau State Sharia Court of Appeal.

For the Kano State High Court, the recommended candidates are Hassan Nafisan, Ahmad Halima, Bature Abdullahi and Umar Musa.

Amaga Dickson was recommended for appointment as a judge of the Ebonyi State High Court.

The candidates recommended for the Edo State High Court are Osawaru Benson, Omoruyi Taiye, Adamaigbo Dorathy, Usiobaifo Festus, Oiwoh Pius, Amune Majebi and Imuekemhe Emile.

Those recommended for the Adamawa State High Court are Sa’ad Aminu, Musa Ibrahim, Giwa Sadiq, Mijinyawa Musa, Ibrahim Japhet, Bakari Aliyu and Ahmadu Yakubu.

For the Ogun State High Court, the recommended candidates are Oke Olakulehin, Obienu Adebimpe, Daudu Fatimat, Kadiri Rafiat and Osho Oludotun.

Ishaku Abubakar was recommended for appointment as Kadi of the Adamawa State Sharia Court of Appeal, while Dimas Elsha and Pembi David were recommended as judges of the Adamawa State Customary Court of Appeal.

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Nigeria Get Second Chance as CAF Reportedly Considers Flying Eagles for 2027 U-20 AFCON

Published

3 hours ago

November 6, 2026

PlateauReports

Nigeria’s Flying Eagles could be handed a lifeline in their quest to qualify for the 2027 FIFA U-20 World Cup following reports that the Confederation of African Football (CAF) is considering including the team in the 2027 Africa U-20 Cup of Nations.

The development follows Ghana’s reported removal as hosts of the continental competition, potentially creating an opening for Nigeria to secure a place in the tournament.

Sports247 reports that CAF has informed the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) to keep the Flying Eagles on standby for a possible invitation to the 2027 U-20 AFCON.

Nigeria initially missed out on automatic qualification after suffering a disappointing 4-1 defeat to Burkina Faso in the final of the 2026 WAFU Zone B U-20 Championship.

Burkina Faso secured the region’s automatic qualification ticket, while Ghana were expected to occupy the second available place as hosts of the continental tournament.

However, Ghana’s reported failure to meet CAF’s hosting requirements has thrown the arrangement into uncertainty, with the continental governing body expected to appoint a new host.

The situation could work in Nigeria’s favour, with the Flying Eagles potentially considered for the place initially reserved for Ghana as tournament hosts, having finished runners-up in the WAFU Zone B competition.

Although CAF is yet to make an official announcement confirming Nigeria’s inclusion, the reported development has raised hopes of a second opportunity for the seven-time African champions.

The 2027 U-20 AFCON will carry additional significance as it will also serve as Africa’s qualifying competition for the FIFA U-20 World Cup.

According to CAF’s qualification format, the four semi-finalists will represent the continent at the global tournament.

Nigeria’s possible inclusion would therefore provide the Flying Eagles with another opportunity to compete for continental honours and keep their World Cup ambitions alive.

The West African giants have a proud history at the FIFA U-20 World Cup, having finished runners-up on two occasions, in 1989 and 2005.

For now, Nigeria will await CAF’s final decision, with the reported development offering renewed hope after their disappointment in the WAFU Zone B final.